Caravan celebration  Parade marks St. Edward School student's last day of chemotherapy

By JORDAN LAIRD Staff Writer

Tuesday

Apr 21, 2020 at 5:15 PMApr 21, 2020 at 8:49 PM

David, a seventh-grader at St. Edward School in Ashland, took his last chemotherapy pill Tuesday and despite social distancing orders, his school didn’t let him celebrate the milestone alone.

On Tuesday afternoon, nearly 20 vehicles surprised David by driving past his house with horns honking and sirens blaring. His parade of well-wishers was made up of St. Edward faculty and staff, about five Ashland County Sheriff cruisers, two Polk Fire Department vehicles and an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser.

David, whose parents requested his last name and address not be published, was diagnosed with leukemia over three years ago in the fourth grade. Since then, he has endured treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and hospitalizations.

David’s mother Vicky said she and David’s father Randy told their son they were going for a drive but then only took him to the end of the driveway.

"He was grinning ear to ear when he saw them come over the hill," said David’s mother Vicky. "He was happy to see them. Probably a little embarrassed too but mostly excited."

Suellen Valentine, principal of St. Edward School in Ashland, helped organize the surprise.

"We’re excited to celebrate with him," said Valentine. "We’re so happy for him. This has been a really long road for him. He’s been through a lot. He and his family have been in our prayers."

In addition to the surprise parade, photos of David’s classmates and their congratulatory messages were posted on the school’s Facebook page Monday.

Austin Stout, 13, lives a bike ride away from David, one of his best friends, but he had to post his congratulations online. Stout submitted a photo of himself and a sign that said "Way to go David! #Believer #StayStrong."

"[David is] funny, good to be around, a good friend, loyal, all that," Stout said.

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Father Rod Kreidler, the school’s parish priest, said the school’s close-knit community of approximately 140 students has been very supportive of David. For example, the students got wristbands in support of David last year.

"Everyone knows David," he said. "He has a very infectious smile. He’s always had a great attitude even on his bad days. He has a smile that makes you believe there’s something more, gives you a lot of hope."

Randy and Vicky said they appreciate all St. Edward School has done for their family.

"They have been supportive since day one when he was diagnosed," Randy said. The school went to great lengths to allow David to attend class remotely while receiving treatment, he said.

Kreidler said the school was planning a large in-person celebration but had to change its plans after the schools were closed and social distancing guidelines were put in place. If the schools were in session, Kreidler would have done a special blessing for David and the children would have rung bells in celebration.

Kevin Valentine, David’s teacher, said he hopes David knows how much the St. Edward School community appreciates him.

"He’s an amazingly strong young man," Kevin Valentine said. "He’s had a lot of adversity and every time he has risen to the challenge. He’s a great role model here, not just for the students, but all of the teachers. We really admire this kid."

David’s parents said he is looking forward to having more freedom. Now that the chemotherapy is over, he will be able to do things that he’s never done before. David’s goal this summer is to bike the eight miles to Austin’s house.

— Staff writer Jordan Laird can be reached at 419-281-0581 ext. 240 or jlaird@times-gazette.com. Follow her on Twitter @JordanSLaird1.

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